CC Hung, BA Judd

Abstract

We report two recent cases of hypernatraemic dehydration associated with insufficient breast milk intake in the neonatal period. Both mothers failed to recognise inadequate breast milk intake and signs of dehydration in their babies. The infants had massive weight loss (23% and 22% of birth weight) and sodium levels of 185 and 174 mmol/l respectively. They required slow intravenous rehydration with isotonic fluid and recovered without long-term sequelae. This uncommon problem should be preventable by good education and close supervision of nursing mothers. It is very important not to rehydrate too rapidly to avoid further neurological damage.